Creative Life Sampler

Abandon, 2026   There are moments in life that are major turning points in our experience and often they mark a shift in the way we think moving forward. When a friend of mine decided to retire after 45 years in banking, he felt a need to get rid of things that symbolized his professional career in order to start anew.  And that is how a box of men’s neckties arrived on my front doorstep. My friend had known of the series of quilts I’d created with my father’s ties and trusted I would put his collection to good use. This was an opportunity to revisit some of my early work in textile art. In fact, those first tie quilts represent a pivotal moment for me. My concept of this art form made a significant transition when I envisioned displaying the last in this series as a piece of art. Suddenly, the quilt went from a cozy bed accessory to a statement piece on the wall. Eventually, this inspired me to share my experiences in here.  (Check out this link for a look back in time:...

 Yes, Colorado has wonderful natural attractions, but we decided to postpone that area of exploration in order to take in something I had read about recently in some art history books.  It was a quick trip from Fort Collins down to Denver where we would catch the flight back to CA. Denver also happens to be the home of one of a handful of single-artist museums in the US: the Clyfford Still Museum. Lately I have been doing a lot of reading on modern art history and have been captivated by the Abstract Expressionists, particularly the "Color Field" artists. This is partly a revisiting of my art student roots, as I am increasingly called upon to verbalize my own artistic sensibilities, and the motivations behind my current creations in artist's statements and other written word.  Believe me, nothing surprises me more than this new appreciation of the abstract. (As an art student, I was firmly grounded in the figurative, realistic camp.) Perhaps the medium of fabric and the t...

 As I expand my horizons and look for new opportunities to submit my work for shows, I've come to the conclusion that this might also be a great way to choose travel destinations, at least whenever feasible. Opening night at the Gallery, Lincoln Center Fort Collins Colorado My husband I had never been to Colorado together so, when Midnight & Noon was juried in to the 42nd New Legacies: Contemporary Art Quilts show, we decided to take a trip. We headed to Fort Collins first, home of Colorado State University and the Lincoln Center where the show is staged. Perhaps we should have been prepared for the vibrancy of this college town, but we were struck by how "art friendly" the city is!  Happened to stumble on a live concert in the Old Town Square: Shakespeare outside the Carnegie Center for Creativity: There was painting everywhere.  It's a community brimming with color and creativity.   This double sided installation entitled "Sustainable Gardens"  by Lisa...

We had a new adventure recently when we went to see Midnight & Noon on display in the 42nd New Legacies: Contemporary Art Quilts at the Lincoln Center in Fort Collins Colorado .  This is the third show that has accepted my quilt. Each time I get to see it displayed, I am impressed with how the curators have given it space to be seen from both sides. In this case it is featured in the front window of the gallery! The really cool thing about this venue is that it is located in the lobby of a performing arts center. Not only is it open to the public during the week, but people will be able to see the show during performances at the Lincoln Center.  Lincoln Center lobby Since the mission of New Legacies is to feature innovation and "material exploration" by artists working in textile art, this is an opportunity to expand the public's concept of the modern quilt.  It's an honor to be included with so many creative artists in this special exhibit. Under the auspices of...

Before moving on to other topics, I want to share some candid shots. There were lots of examples of creativity in public spaces. Always a joy to find these gifts on a journey.  In the airport at LAX: At the Raleigh Convention Center, inside: and outside: The Raleigh airport and the return trip:   Once you're in the right frame of mind, your surroundings become a banquet of visual inspiration! Happy creating all!!!!

  Hanging Sculpture at the Raleigh Convention Center Since the close of QuiltCon 2026, I’ve been tuning in to the flurry of responses and reactions on social media to the "statement quilts" in the show. There were quite a few this year and there have been some very effective reels that lift up their messages in unique ways. These mini films have been well constructed and effective. There has also been some push back questioning the suitability of what amounts to social commentary in the realm of the quilt show and calling out the Modern Quilt Guild for giving creators the platform to share their ideas. This has given rise to some really thoughtful and cogent responses from quilt content creators in support of the voices that were showcased and QuiltCon. The arguments in support of the modern quilt movement have been so well done, by stronger voices than mine, that their points don’t need to be rehashed here. But I would like to add my response to the whole unfoldment of t...

I was once involved with a group which included an individual that didn’t say much. It was obvious that they were engaged and very aware of what was going on, but they were quiet, unassuming, and thoughtful. The thing that impressed me most about this person was that, when they chose to speak, the conversation stopped short and everyone gave space for them to share. I’ve often thought of this individual when feeling pressure to join in on a conversation. When circumstances call for it, I’ve tried to emulate this unhurried, measured approach in order to think things through; choosing words and phrases judiciously for clarity in presenting my perspective. Ten years ago, those words didn’t include expletives or profanity. That was a conscious choice. But a lot has happened in the world and our country since then. There are times when stringing words together don't seem as effective at expressing the emotions of the moment as a single word.  As I was walking through a row at QuiltC...

  I have two vignettes to share that show how the creator can connect with the viewer. One shows the value of a really descriptive title, the other is an example of an effective artist's statement that draws the viewer in so they linger in front of the quilt. I was walking through the Hand Work category at QuiltCon 2026 and I came across this little gem by  Eleanor Kagan. Simple shapes. Very graphic. Saturated color.  What’s it about? Somebody came up beside me. We shifted positions so she could take a closer look at the quilt and I could read the artist’s statement. As soon as I read the title, I laughed out loud and my viewing partner came over for a closer look. We looked at each other and shared a good giggle. This was conspicuous enough for a third person to come up beside us, take in the title, and rush to bring over a friend to enjoy the moment. Well done, Eleanor! We connected with your work, then we connected with each other, and I think we all felt a connect...

I can't emphasize enough how important human connection is to the experience of attending QuiltCon. Whether you are standing in line for an event, hanging out at your own quilt, or lingering in front of a quilt you really like, it is so easy to strike up a conversation. People are joyful to be there and pleased to be with other quilters. There is an instant connection because you already know you have quilting in common.  After all, it is a celebration of quilts. Running into a ribbon winner, it is natural to lift them up for their accomplishment. This year when I came across Heidi Parkes in front of her prize winning quilt, I put aside my usual reticence to congratulate her. As we spoke, I was reminded of my first encounter with her work.  Back in 2021, I was doing a lot of hand appliqu é  and hand quilting, but I hadn’t been in the modern guild very long. Sometimes it felt like I was fumbling along, trying to figure out what made modern quilts different. That spring Hei...

They were expecting the Modern Quilt Guild in North Carolina. This greeted us at the Raleigh airport!  What a great way to build excitement!! And here's the view from our hotel room Thursday morning.  Way before the doors opened to the show, quilters were lined up for early classes. First views of the convention center floor.  The left side showcased the quilt show, the right side the vendors. Coming down the escalator, we were able to spot my quilt, Midnight & Noon in the front circle.  At the award ceremony Wednesday evening I learned it had been given the Best Hand Quilting award, sponsored by Wonderfil Specialty Threads. It was such a joy to see people get close to my quilt to really take in the textures and the stitch work. I had so many wonderful conversations with people who were curious and engaged. Having this kind of interaction between creator and audience is a special experience at a large show. That it happens pretty regularly at QuiltCon is unique t...

  How Painting Happens (and why it matters) by Martin Gayford This was a Christmas gift from my thoughtful kids and I've just finished it!  A good indication that something has resonated with me is the amount of times I mark what I want to remember. Photos taken at a show or museum, notes from a meeting, and, in this case, lots of post-it tabs throughout the book; all a good sign that the experience has left an impression. For me this was an entertaining and informative read that is as much about creativity as it is the specific medium of painting.  Martin Gayford 's presentation makes the information accessible to the reader and easily applicable to one's own method of self expression. He doesn't rely on traditionally dense art jargon from the past. In each chapter, he breaks down the components of composition and execution with examples that address things like texture through brush strokes or effective use of color. Consideration of these elements is valuable to any ...

Beauty in Mishap Usually, I try to finish up projects to start the new year with a fresh slate, but I have several things in the works right now. I find myself in the position of working against a self-imposed deadline! (That can be a joy drain for sure.) And while these "works in progress" (WIPs) get juggled with end of the year activities and holiday celebrations, one of the things put on the back burner is keeping up-to-date with social media. So, I'm putting a pause on all this activity, as the clock ticks off the last hours of 2025, to present my final finish of 2025: Beauty in Mishap . This continues my improvisation with random scraps to create what I hope are interesting compositions. Lately, I'm really enjoying the theme of "contrast." Juxtaposing thin lines and large shapes, or open spaces with more populated areas of random forms and connecting lines, opens up opportunities to enhance the surface with quilting that reinforces the design.   The bo...

  Lord's Snowfall, 2018 Season's Greetings!!! I'm indulging in a flashback Friday for a visual to accompany my very best wishes for happy, healthy holidays to one and all.  It's always productive to look back at your work, to appreciate what you've done and acknowledge how far you've come. It brings perspective. Lord's snowfall was finished in 2018, appliqu é d by hand and hand quilted. It was one of the first times I "went off script" without a pattern and it took over 2 years to execute. Not only has my work evolved significantly in the last 7 years, but I've gotten much faster at handwork. It kinda boggles my mind. This was an improv quilt; there was no plan starting out. Each snow crystal is unique. They were cut out and centered on varying sized blocks using a variation of the Hawaiian appliqu é  technique. As the blocks began to accumulate, conscious choices were made so the background would be a gradual transformation from blue to white ...